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Bogart LM, Musoke W, Mayatsa J, Marsh T, Naigino R, Banegura A, Mukama CS, Allupo S, Odiit M, Kadama H, Mukasa B, Wanyenze RK. Recommendations for Improving Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Implementation and Social Marketing in Ugandan Fisherfolk Communities: A Qualitative Exploration. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024; 44:189-199. [PMID: 36194425 PMCID: PMC10070557 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x221113608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: HIV is hyperendemic among fisherfolk in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially around Lake Victoria, Uganda. Purpose/Research Design: We conducted cross-sectional semi-structured interviews about oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation with 35 Ugandan fisherfolk (15 women, 20 men) and 10 key stakeholders (healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders). We used a directed content analysis approach based on implementation science and social marketing frameworks. Results: Participants showed high acceptability for PrEP. Anticipated barriers among fisherfolk included stigma (due to similar medications/packaging as HIV treatment); misconceptions; mobility, competing needs, poverty, and partner conflict. Anticipated provider barriers included insufficient staffing and travel support. Recommendations included: change PrEP packaging; integrate PrEP with other services; decrease PrEP refill frequency; give transportation resources to providers; train more healthcare workers to provide PrEP to fisherfolk; and use positively framed messages to promote PrEP. Conclusions: Results can inform policymakers and healthcare organizations on how to overcome barriers to PrEP scale-up in most at-risk populations with poor healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jimmy Mayatsa
- Ministry of Health, Republic of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terry Marsh
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, United States
| | - Rose Naigino
- Ministry of Health, Republic of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
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Mogaka FO, Stewart J, Omollo V, Bukusi E. Challenges and Solutions to STI Control in the Era of HIV and STI Prophylaxis. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:312-319. [PMID: 37751130 PMCID: PMC10805125 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00666-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews current efforts to control bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users and outlines the opportunities and challenges to controlling STIs within HIV PrEP programs. RECENT FINDINGS The incidence of STIs continues to rise globally especially among HIV PrEP users, with an estimated 1 in 4 PrEP users having a curable bacterial STI. STIs and HIV comprise a syndemic needing dual interventions. The majority of STIs are asymptomatic, and when testing is available, many STIs occur in extragenital sites that are missed when relying on urine testing or genital swabs. Optimal testing and treatment, including testing for antimicrobial resistance, pose difficulties in high income countries and is essentially non-existent in most low- and middle-income countries. Novel STI primary prevention strategies, like doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for STI prevention, have proven to be highly efficacious in some populations. A few jurisdictions have issued normative guidelines and position statements for doxycycline PEP; however, clinical standards for implementation and data on public health impact are limited. STI incidence rates are high and rising in sexually active populations. Sexual health programs should leverage the expansion of HIV PrEP delivery services to integrate STI testing, surveillance, and novel STI prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ong'era Mogaka
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Jenell Stewart
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Victor Omollo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
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Basdav J, Reddy P, Haffejee F. Motivators for oral PrEP uptake and adherence in the eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. AIDS Care 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37144287 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2208322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a single daily pill that prevents a seropositive HIV status. Since 2016, South Africa has staggered PrEP roll-out, with uptake levels not reaching optimal goals. The aim of this study was to determine motivation behind PrEP initiation and adherence among South African users. A phenomenological qualitative study (n = 15) was used. Participants were purposively recruited from two primary healthcare clinics in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three themes were identified: motivation for PrEP uptake, PrEP adherence and PrEP awareness. Initiation was influenced by healthcare professionals. Responsibility for one's well-being, serodiscordant relationships and sexual partner's behavioural patterns contributed toward initiation. Most were fully compliant, using reminders to negate medication forgetfulness. The internet and healthcare professionals served as information sources, however, few were aware of PrEP prior to this. Innovative ways are required to increase awareness levels and increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotika Basdav
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Firoza Haffejee
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
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Smith PJ, Daniels J, Bekker LG, Medina-Marino A. What motivated men to start PrEP? A cross-section of men starting PrEP in Buffalo city municipality, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:418. [PMID: 36864381 PMCID: PMC9979577 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to women, South African men are less likely to know their HIV status (78% vs. 89%), have suppressed viral loads (82% vs. 90%), or access HIV prevention services. To achieve epidemic control where heterosexual sexual behavior drives transmission, interventions to improve the uptake of HIV testing services (HTS) and prevention services must also target cis-gendered, heterosexual men. There is limited understanding of these men's needs and wants with regards to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). METHODS Adult men (≥ 18 years) from a peri-urban community in Buffalo City Municipality were offered community-based HTS. Those who received a negative HIV test result were offered community-based, same-day oral PrEP initiation. Men initiating PrEP were invited to participate in a study exploring men's HIV prevention needs and reasons for initiating PrEP. An in-depth interview guide, developed using the Network-Individual-Resources model (NIRM), explored men's perceived HIV acquisition risk, prevention needs, and preferences for PrEP initiation. Interviews were conducted by a trained interviewer in isiXhosa or English, audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used, guided by the NIRM to generate findings. RESULTS Twenty-two men (age range 18-57 years) initiated PrEP and consented to study participation. Men reported elevated HIV acquisition risk associated with alcohol use and condom-less sex with multiple partners as facilitators driving PrEP initiation. They anticipated social support from family members, their main sexual partner and close friends for their PrEP use, and discussed other men as important sources of support for PrEP initiation. Nearly all men expressed positive views of people using PrEP. Participants believed HIV testing would be a barrier for men interested in accessing PrEP. Men recommended that access to PrEP be convenient, rapid, and community-based (i.e., not clinic-based). DISCUSSION Self-perceived risk for HIV acquisition was a major facilitator for men's PrEP initiation. Although men expressed positive perceptions of PrEP users, they noted that HIV testing may be a barrier to PrEP initiation. Finally, men recommended convenient access points to facilitate PrEP initiation and sustained use. Gender-responsive interventions tailored to men's needs, wants, and voices will facilitate their uptake of HIV prevention services, and help to end the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip John Smith
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Eastern Cape Province, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East, London, Buffalo City Metro, South Africa.
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Medina-Marino A, Bezuidenhout D, Ngcelwane N, Cornell M, Wainberg M, Beyrer C, Bekker LG, Daniels J. Qualitative Identification of Intervention Preferences to Support Men's Engagement and Retention in TB Care in South Africa. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221129349. [PMID: 36218175 PMCID: PMC9558889 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221129349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally and in South African specifically, men account for 56% and 62% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases, respectively. Men are at increased risk of not accessing TB testing or treatment, and having poor treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, no interventions exist to address these issues. Toward the development of targeted, patient-centered TB care and support interventions, we used semistructured interviews to explored men's social network composition, TB testing behaviors, disclosure and treatment support, clinical experiences, and TB's influence on daily living. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach guided by the Network Individual Resource Model to identify mental and tangible resources influential and preferred during engagement in TB treatment. Men emphasized the desire for peer-to-peer support to navigate TB-related stigma and unhealthy masculinity norms. Men advocated for awareness events to educate communities about their challenges with TB. Men strongly suggested that interventions be delivered in familiar locations where men congregate. Since 2022, no TB treatment support interventions have included the preferred components or delivery modes described by men in our study. To improve men's TB-related health outcomes, the global TB community must identify and address men's unique challenges when designing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Medina-Marino
- Division of Men’s Health, Desmond Tutu
HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Perelman School of Medicine, University
of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Research Unit, Foundation for
Professional Development, East London, South Africa,Andrew Medina-Marino, Division of Men’s
Health, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7915, South
Africa.
| | - Dana Bezuidenhout
- Research Unit, Foundation for
Professional Development, East London, South Africa,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman
School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Nondumiso Ngcelwane
- Buffalo City Health District, Eastern
Cape Provincial Department of Health, Bisho, South Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- School of Public Health & Family
Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Milton Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia
University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY, USA,New York State Psychiatric Institute,
New York City, NY, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke
University, Durham, NC, USA,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University
of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University
of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health
Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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